defy
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for defy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To openly refuse to obey or comply with something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
hold up
Antonyms
How to use defy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
defy orders
defy expectations
defy gravity
defy logic
Etymology
From Old French desfier, ultimately from Latin dis- ("away") + fidus ("faithful") — originally meaning to renounce loyalty, later shifting to mean "challenge."
Full origin of defy →Frequently asked questions
What does “defy” mean?
The word “defy” means to openly refuse to obey or comply with something. In plain terms, to stand up against a rule, order, or expectation and refuse to follow it.
How do you pronounce “defy”?
“Defy” is pronounced dih-FEYE (/dɪˈfaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “defy” in a sentence?
Here is “defy” used in a sentence: “The stunt seemed to defy the laws of physics.”
What part of speech is “defy”?
“Defy” is a verb.
Where does the word “defy” come from?
The word “defy” comes from Latin. From Old French desfier, ultimately from Latin dis- ("away") + fidus ("faithful") — originally meaning to renounce loyalty, later shifting to mean "challenge.".
Is “defy” a common word?
“Defy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “defy” have?
“Defy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to openly refuse to obey or comply with something.
